ИСТИНА

The dependence of the remote settlements on supplies from the mainland has been becoming increasing over years for the sake of modern life comfort. Fuel and food are the most critical of these supplies. The dependence on fuel has been decreased recently in some areas with introduction of renewable energy sources. While for the food security the main issue is storage capacity. The traditional ice cellars, shallow ones particularly, have been degrading fast due to the global warming, thus, increasing the dependence on reefer containers powered by electricity. Interruptions in energy supply or refrigeration unit breakdown lead to losses of tons of food quite fast. For fresh fruits and vegetables preservation, refrigeration is not an option anyway; delivery (mainly aerial) is very expensive; production on site demands energy and is rather tricky. We have suggested a concept that could help to preserve the high storage capacity ice cellars while making temperature below -10ºC to ensure food quality. The heat diverted by a solar and wind powered heat pump from the ice cellar could be used to warm the greenhouses, and excessive electricity - to provide additional lighting. Our experiment has shown the yield of tomatoes and cucumbers could be increased by multifold in this way.